International News

News from outside of Canada.

Pope commemorates life of beloved Italian bishop who served poor

April 20, 2018

VATICAN – The church needs courageous men and women like Italian Bishop Antonio Bello of Molfetta, who imitated Jesus' closeness to the poor and the downtrodden, Pope Francis said.

‘Triple crisis’ afflicting Venezuelan refugees

April 20, 2018

While the biggest refugee crisis in the Western Hemisphere languishes in media obscurity, one Catholic agency is working with the most vulnerable Venezuelan refugees flooding the back country of Colombia’s borderlands.

Mother killed on Southwest flight was firm believer in Catholic schools

April 20, 2018

WASHINGTON – Tributes from business leaders and politicians alike described Jennifer Riordan – the 43-year-old passenger who died April 17 from injuries suffered on Southwest Flight 1380 when its engine exploded -- as a devoted mother, community leader, mentor and volunteer.

Bush recalled for her 'unwavering love, devotion' to family, community

April 20, 2018

HOUSTON – Former first lady Barbara Bush "was a model public servant and set a standard for her unwavering and loving devotion to both family and community," said Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston Houston in offering his prayers and "heartfelt condolences" to the Bush family.

Pope calls German bishops to Rome to discuss Communion sharing

April 19, 2018

VATICAN – Pope Francis has asked German bishops to come to Rome to discuss pastoral guidelines for possibly allowing some non-Catholics married to Catholics to receive the Eucharist, the German bishops' conference said.

Irish pro-lifers launch 'vote no' campaign for referendum on unborn

April 19, 2018

DUBLIN – Pro-life activists have launched a campaign urging citizens to vote no in a forthcoming referendum to remove the Eighth Amendment to the Irish Constitution. That amendment provides legal protection for unborn children "with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother."

No minors allowed: Chinese Catholics warned to follow rules on religious affairs

April 18, 2018

HONG KONG – Catholics in China's Henan province have been warned that venues will be closed if they do not adhere to the revised regulations on religious affairs.

Scottish bishop criticizes BBC film for mockery of Eucharist

April 18, 2018

PAISLEY, Scotland – A Scottish bishop has criticized the BBC for making a film that describes the Eucharist as smelling "like hate."

Iceland's Catholic leaders condemn circumcision law as anti-Semitic

April 18, 2018

The Catholic Church in Iceland is speaking out against a popular proposed law that could land Jewish and Muslim parents in prison for up to six years for circumcising their infant boys.

Father of Alfie Evans meets Pope, begs for help to save his son

April 18, 2018

VATICAN – Begging Pope Francis to help his son, Alfie, Tom Evans met with the pontiff, pleading for "asylum" in Italy so his seriously ill son may receive care and not be euthanized in England.